Respiratory Therapy Assistant - 36 Hours Rotating Shift

Respiratory Therapy Assistant

The Respiratory Therapy Assistant (RTA) plays a vital support role within the Respiratory Therapy department by assisting with equipment distribution, maintenance, and respiratory laboratory operations. This position requires strong communication and critical thinking skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, clinical environment.

The RTA works both independently and collaboratively, ensuring the highest standards of safety, service, and technical accuracy. The role demands a proactive, customer-service-focused individual who adheres to all Henry Ford Health policies and departmental procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform blood gas analysis (arterial, capillary, venous, cord, pleural fluid) following successful competency validation.
• Conduct daily maintenance, calibration, quality control, and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzers.
• Review lab request forms for accuracy; resolve any discrepancies.
• Maintain all CAP (College of American Pathologists) laboratory competencies within required timelines.

Equipment Management

• Distribute respiratory care supplies across patient care areas.
• Clean, disinfect, and reprocess respiratory therapy equipment in accordance with infection control protocols.
• Test and assemble life-support, monitoring, diagnostic, and therapy equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of equipment rooms.
• Prepare and set up ventilators after proper training and competency verification.

General Duties

• Promote and maintain a safe environment in clinical and lab settings.
• Uphold patient privacy in compliance with HIPAA and HFHS standards.
• Follow all Henry Ford Health System and departmental policies, protocols, and assignments.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new staff; participate in continuing education and departmental in-services.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Exposure to communicable diseases in both laboratory and patient care settings.
• Regular handling of medical gases (piped-in and bottled).
• Frequent standing, walking, and lifting/moving of heavy equipment across hospital units.
• Must be able to work in areas with limited noise, minor temperature variations, and occasional dust exposure.

Education/Experience Required

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Life experience related to customer service, high volume/fast-paced environment, laboratory and/or logistics preferred.

Certifications/Licensures Required

• Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the HFHS' Customer Service Policy.